Pet shops

A pet shop is any permanent shop that sells dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, reptiles, and caged birds. The shop may be a self-contained section of a larger business, such as a department store or permanent market, or a stand-alone premises.

Pet shops are required to register themselves with their local council as a Domestic Animal Business and comply with the mandatory Code of Practice for the Operation of Pet Shops. Pet shops are also required to provide purchasers with a health guarantee and care information for their new pet.

New record keeping requirements for pet shops

The Victorian Government has introduced new record keeping requirements for pet shops in Victoria, as part of its crackdown on illegal puppy farming.

From 1 July 2015, pet shop owners must keep detailed records on every individual dog and cat sold or offered for sale, including where they were sourced from.

This will allow authorised officers from local Councils, the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources and the RSPCA to review the information and identify illegal breeders for further investigation.

These requirements were introduced in response to community concern about pet shops selling animals bred in illegal and cruelly operated puppy farms.

Attached below is a fact sheet explaining these requirements in more detail, along with an 'animal record' template document that may be of assistance to businesses.

Following changes to the Victorian Government structure, the content on this site is in transition. There may be references to previous departments, these are being updated. Please call 136 186 to clarify any specific information.